Doodle Science - January 2011

I got this photo on New Years Eve at the RSPB Dungeness reserve
right next to the nuclear power station.
These fine feathered chaps are a real success story as thanks to
habitat loss and the fact that they are rather tasty they became
very rare.

At enthronement of George Neville as the Archbishop of York in
1466 the menu included '200 Bytternes; 400 Hernshawes (young
herons), and 1,000 Egritts'.

He could not do it these days as that is more than all the
Bitterns in England now, but there are a few more on the
continent.

I had never seen one before and then I saw three in one day,
including this one who was so close to the hide I could have
grabbed him and taken him home.

They have some great adaptations including the way they can stand
in reeds with their head held high and disappear.
Because of this their eyes are really rather odd
And they make a funny noise too.

Something to try.

String telephones.
Make sure to attach the string to a match or tooth pick across
the bottom of the cup.
It will transfer the vibrations to the cup far better.
Make sure the string is tight.
A single phone with the string still attached makes an excellent
sound when the string is pulled between the fingers and
thumb.
Using a piece of wet kitchen toweling makes a really nice
noise.
It is amazing how far the sound can travel.
Why?

Health and safety

String can cause friction burns.
And shouting can hurt your throat.

Nest spotting

Our feathered friends will be starting to get them selves
organised for the coming season soon.
Depending on the species some will be nest building before the
end of February.
Ravens will already have laid eggs, but if you have them in the
playground I'm jealous.